August 30, 2024

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Sean Keating

Principal’s Hello

Welcome to the last weekend of summer! We just finished an amazing launch week with our teachers and staff here at PCMS. To top it off, our 8th grade WEB leaders did their final training before welcoming our new 6th graders on Wednesday. 

There is a lot of energy and anticipation for next week! We’re psyched! Please keep reading for important updates from our counselors regarding student schedules and a review of school rules from our assistant principal and dean of students. 

Finally, please consider hosting a Japanese exchange student this September! We still need to place six students. They will only be here for a week, and they can eat all their breakfasts and lunches here at PCMS! (Reach out to Ami Zepnewski if you’re interested: [email protected])

See you soon!

Sean

Japanese Exchange Students

Pacific Crest Middle School is excited to host a group of exchange students from Toyota City, Japan, from September 22 to 29. We are currently seeking six host families to welcome these students into their homes. During their stay, the students will attend PCMS and will be provided with breakfast and lunch each day.

If you want to become a host family, don’t hesitate to contact Ami Zepnewski at [email protected] 

Thank you for considering making this cultural exchange a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Checklist for Start of the Year Payments!

Annual iPad Insurance | $30 | highly recommended | deadline Monday, Sept. 9
PE Shirt – All students | $9.00 |required | deadline Monday, Sept. 9
Athletics Cross Country | $40 | deadline Thursday, Sept. 5

Transitioning Back to School

Returning to school can feel overwhelming for families. Preparing ourselves as parents is essential to supporting our children. Click here for tips for a smooth transition.

Transición de vuelta a la escuela para los padres. La vuelta al colegio puede resultar abrumadora para las familias. Prepararnos como padres es esencial para apoyar a nuestros hijos. Haga clic aquí para obtener consejos decómo hacer que la transición de regreso a la escuela sea más fácil.

Student Schedules Go Live !

Schedule will be available this evening, Friday, August 30 via StudentVue and ParentVue.

Our student services department is not taking schedule change requests unless there is an error with your child’s schedule. An error would look like accidentally having two identical classes, etc. Specifically, we do not change student schedules for friends or activities. Many of our students have extracurricular activities and we simply cannot accommodate changing schedules for this. Also, classes are still being balanced and all students should check their schedules on the first day of school. We will also be providing each student with a paper copy of their schedule on the 1st day of school. Thank you for your understanding.

Required PE Dress Down Policy & Shirt Purchase

Students will be expected to be dressed down and ready to go by Monday, September 9. PE shirts are required for PE per our Dress Down Policy. The cost per shirt is $9.00. Please go to TouchBase by Monday, 9/9 to pay for your student’s PE shirt and select a size. Each student may order one PE shirt and we will try to accommodate the size request as our inventory allows!! Teachers will go over this in class first week of school.

PCMS Robotics Club is expanding!

We are aiming to have a 6th grade First Lego League competition team meeting 1 day/week after school AND a separate 7th and 8th grade First Tech Challenge competition Team meeting 2 days/week after school.  No prior robotics experience necessary, just a willingness to work with others, learn new skills and prepare to compete. We’re looking for adult volunteers to be organizational leaders (Coaches) and technical leaders (Mentors). Email Carey Kraybill (PCMS Design & Modeling Teacher / Robotics Coach) if interested at [email protected].

Please note: Lunch clubs will be available throughout the year for students to join. More information will be share in the month of October. Stay tuned.

Student Pick-Up & Drop-Off

You may drop your student off as early as 8:35 AM. First period starts at 8:50 AM, but we’d like all students here no later than 8:45 AM. We want everyone to have time to go to their locker to drop off their backpack and get materials for class. Backpacks are not allowed in classrooms.

Tardy Policy

Backpack Policy

Backpack must remain in student lockers. Backpacks impede teachers and students from moving around the classroom, backpacks can contain distracting materials and also serve as a temptation for theft, and they could serve as a storage place for weapons (safety). Students will have plenty of time to go to their lockers between classes to get the materials they need.

Bathroom Policy

We will allow students to use the bathroom during class. Only 1 student will leave class at a time, with a hall pass. Also, students have 5 minutes to use the restroom and return to class. If a student takes more than 5 minutes, the teacher will have a private discussion with the student to remind them of the policy and to ensure that everything is okay. If a student is using the bathroom everyday, and teachers suspect work avoidance or some other issue, teachers will meet with that student privately to discuss concerns and seek more information. A counselor may also have this conversation with the student.

Get a Good Start to the New School Year!

Listen to the welcome message from the Superintendent’s Office and read the BLS Family Spotlight blog for important news and reminders regarding the start of the new school year.

Mark your Calendar

  • Sep. 3 | WEB Leader Training, Day 2: | 10:00 – 3:00 | Gym 
  • Sep. 4 | First Day of School – 6 Grade Students Only | 8:50 – 3:45
  • Sep. 4 | 7 & 8 Grade New Student Orientation | 2:00 – 3:30
  • Sep. 4 | Football Parent Meeting | 6:00 | Football Field
  • Sep. 5 | First Day of School for all grade levels
  • Sep. 5 | Fall Athletic Registration for Cross-Country Ends | 5:00
  • Sep. 5 | Cross-Country Parent Meeting | 5:00 | Library
  • Sept. 26| School Portrait Day
  • Sep. 26 | Back to School Night (more to come soon)

Helpful Links

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